Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.

However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do."

"We are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."

He concluded by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap between the manager and the team is so obvious."

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the problem: "The problems are not high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the ability to defend."

Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "We've seen this movie before with Nancy's Celtic."

"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team don't do that."

Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and calls for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like a pub team. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't react. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's system. These players are not bad players all of a sudden. The answer is self-explanatory.

James: The board are wholly to blame. I feel sorry for Nancy as he should never been appointed in the first place, but he'll be used as the fall guy. We lack the players for his system.

Andy: Nancy has to go. I've been one of those hoping to give him a chance, but there is no progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.